Monday, December 29, 2008

Concert to Honor Soldiers


"America's fighting men and women will be honored at this summer's Pony Express Days with a "Low Dough" country concert featuring songwriter and country music star Darryl Worley and country artist Josh Gracin.

The Eagle Mountain City Council inked the contract earlier this month, according to spokeswoman Linda Peterson.

The concert, dubbed "A Salute to Our Troops," is co-sponsored by country radio station K-Bull 93 FM. The concert is the culminating event at the city celebration on June 6 at the Silverlake Amphitheatre, 7920 N. Silverlake Parkway.

Tickets for the concert are $15, with a special price for active duty members of the military of $12, with a limit six tickets for each military member. Tickets are expected to go on sale in January and will be available through Smith'sTix and at Eagle Mountain City Hall, 1650 E. Stagecoach Run, Peterson said." - Deseret News

Saturday, December 27, 2008

Eagle Mtn. Top Stories 2008

What were the top stories in Eagle Mountain for 2008?

Here's what I've come up with. These are in no particular order.

Silver Lake Village nightmare

Eagle Mountain City once again successfully challenges census


UTA coming to Eagle Mountain

Eagle Mountain grocery store approved



Completion of the trail between City Center and the Ranches

Eagle Mountain first annual Turkey Trot

Norovirus outbreak at Ranches Academy


Eagle Mountain library bans afternoon online gaming


Eagle Mountain Skate Park Opens


Eagle Mountain adopts fake lawn

Child abuse charges against Eagle Mountain couple

Ex-mayor Olsen found not guilty

Prison time for Ex-mayoral candidate Culbertson

Eagle Mtn. Babies

Utah soon will start collecting more detailed information when a baby is born.

Starting Jan. 1, state birth questionnaires will include several new topics, including whether mothers chose Caesarean section, if artificial insemination was used and more in-depth information on the mother's health and background.

The state's current questionnaire is 20 years old and needed updating.

State health officials say the additional information they collect will help develop a more complete picture of Utah's public health.

The birth certificate that parents take home will remain the same, including basic information such as parents' names, place of birth and the baby's weight. -SLTrib

Tuesday, December 23, 2008

Lane Closures on I-15 in Utah County

"The Utah Department of Transportation wants drivers to be aware of lane closures on Interstate 15 in Utah County tomorrow.

Only one lane will be open to traffic between University Parkway and Center Street in Orem from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Crews will be repairing deteriorating pavement.

UDOT says motorists can expect major delays through the construction zone and are advised to avoid this section of I-15 by exiting on University Parkway and taking either U.S. Highway 89 (State Street) or Geneva Road to Center Street and getting back on the freeway." - ksl.com

Teens More Self-Confident than Previous Generation


"Good news for parents. Teens seem to be more confident in themselves than you were at their age. But if parents aren't careful, they could still mess up their children with high self-esteem.

Go ahead, teens, tell me what you think about yourselves.

One girl told me she thinks she's an "OK person." Others say they think highly of themselves and they don't put themselves down. One boy simply said, "I'm cool." Generally, they had positive things to say.

A survey by researchers at the University of Michigan says more high school seniors in 2006 think they would make good employees, mates and parents compared to seniors in 1975. Some teens I spoke with said that sounds weird. One of them said she believes teens have more pressures now." -Paul Nelson KSL.com

Thursday, December 18, 2008

Snow Plows in Eagle Mtn.


Not happy with road conditions in Eagle Mountain when it snows?

Let Eagle Mountain City hear your voice.

Eagle Mountain City (801)789-6603

Or email city administrator John Hendrickson "jhendrickson@emcity.org"

Wednesday, December 17, 2008

Tough Times for Utah County Sheriff's Office

"Utah County will likely be able to avoid full-time layoffs for the 2009 budget, but as of Tuesday, the sheriff’s department will leave 15 positions unfilled and eight employees will have to take a pay cut.

“I have not filled positions since the middle of the year,” said Sheriff Jim Tracy, who added that actual layoffs or not, service will be diminished." -Daily Herald

Hopefully this means less speed traps coming in and out of Eagle Mountain on Ranches Parkway and Eagle Mountain Blvd.

Tuesday, December 16, 2008

Forgiveness and Hope in Eagle Mtn.

Who will ever forget the Christ-like example of Gary Ceran?

I hope that I would do the same if ever faced with a similar situation.

KUTV News -- Two years ago Christmas Eve he lost his wife and two of his four kids to a drunk driver.

You would think that’s enough for anyone to hate the holidays but for Gary Ceran its just the opposite.

Christmas has more meaning then ever.

"I think what ended up happening is it really made Christmas more sacred," said Ceran from his home in Eagle Mountain where Christmas decorations can be seen everywhere.

It was early in the morning on December 24th when the Ceran family was coming home from a party with fellow cast members in the play A Christmas Carol.

They where heading eastbound on 53rd sound when a truck coming northbound on 700 west suddenly smashed into them.

The driver of that truck Carlos Prieto was drunk.

"Iit almost felt like my body stopped. i called out to my wife. I just called out Cheryl, Cheryl, Cheryl," said Ceran.

But there was no answer.

47-year-old Cheryl Ceran was killed along with 15-year-old Ian, and 7-year-old Julianna.

"Everybody understands the dangers of drinking and driving everybody knows its wrong its just one of those things where people think they are stronger then they are they think the are less impaired then they are," said Ceran.

Gary's two other children in the car survived the accident.

Through it all Gary has forgiven Prieto who has been sentenced to 10 years in prison.

Gary re-married in March of this year adding four more children to his family.

So instead of sorrow and pain during the holidays, Gary says its one of peace and forgiveness, for that is what Christmas is about.

Earn Cash by Renting Your Possessions in Eagle Mountain


"A Web site designed to help people rent out their stuff is hoping to do well as the economy has more people looking for ways to save and make cash.

The Web site is called Zilok. Even though it sounds like the name of an ancient warrior, it's actually a place where anyone can go to rent out basically anything you have."-ksl.com

http://www.zilok.com

Saturday, December 13, 2008

All Things Eagle Mountain

Come one...come all...

All Things Eagle Mountain is now easier to remember.

http://www.allthingseaglemountain.com

Thursday, December 11, 2008

Silver Lake Village Developer is Back, Looking for Money

"The building battle continues over Silver Lake Village in Eagle Mountain on Thursday. The building developer is now back and demanding money from the people living there.

The subdivison was left high and dry by the developer, Steve Jones, a few months ago. They were left in a money pit. ABC 4 showed their story and since the airing the developer cam back asking for money as the Christmas season begins.

The families in the occupied homes said the Home Owners Association, run by their builder disappeared about five months ago. He is back, under the Silver Lake Village HOA, with written letters telling them to pay up for all he has done for them. The letter stated, "Any past due monies must be collected." -ABC4

2nd Suspect in Eagle Mtn. Child Abuse Case Takes Plea Deal

Video Courtesy of KSL.com

Eagle Mtn. Successfully Challenges Census Numbers

CENSUS BUREAU INCREASES POPULATION ESTIMATE AFTER CITY’S CHALLENGE

Eagle Mountain, UT, December 11 – Eagle Mountain City has successfully challenged census estimates for the second consecutive year and will gain an additional 11.5% increase in sales tax revenue from the state.
The U.S. Census Bureau estimated Eagle Mountain City’s population for 2007 to be 17,832 people. After the city challenged that figure and submitted additional housing data, the Census Bureau has now adjusted the population estimate to be 19,890.

Last year’s challenge of the 2006 census figures resulted in a 30% increase in sales tax revenue for the city when the population estimate was adjusted from 12,232 to 17,391.

State sales tax revenue goes into the city’s general fund. Money from the general fund may be used for park improvements, infrastructure, and other city needs.

The census adjustment may also provide more funding for roads.

“We are again excited to successfully challenge the Census Bureau findings,” Mayor Heather Jackson said. “It is critical to the development and financial health of our city to have accurate census numbers.”

The revised population figures will be posted at the following location: http://www.census.gov/popest/archives/challenges.html on the Census Bureau’s website.


###

Wednesday, December 10, 2008

Eagle Mtn. to Annex White Hills?

"White Hills is a tiny burg with big financial problems. Now developers here have asked to become part of Eagle Mountain, a plan that at least some White Hills residents reject.

A group of landowners and developers, headed by DAI, which calls itself "Utah's Foremost Land Developer," have asked Eagle Mountain to annex about 3,090 acres, which at build-out would be home to 34,000 people. The annexation includes White Hills, population 400.

The annexation has already been turned down by neighboring Fairfield and Cedar Fort, said Carey Smith, a White Hills resident whose family owns 350 acres of the proposed annexation. Smith said those communities turned down the proposal because White Hills has more residents than either town and annexation would have instantly given White Hills political sway." -Daily Herald

Do You UTA Eagle Mtn.?

The sales tax for Eagle Mountain and Saratoga Springs goes up a quarter cent on Jan. 1 to 6.45 cents for every dollar spent in the west Utah County towns.

Voters agreed to the increase in the Nov. 4 election to raise funding for express bus service to Salt Lake City and to join the Utah Transit Authority district.

Tuesday, December 9, 2008

Silver Lake Village, Eagle Mtn. Update

Now this is what I call "CARE-FREE" living.


Video Courtesy of KSL.com




Eagle Mtn. City Employee Named Football Coach

CITY MANAGEMENT ANALYST NAMED HEAD FOOTBALL COACH FOR
NEW WESTLAKE HIGH SCHOOL

Eagle Mountain, UT, December 9 – Jason Walker, city management analyst for Eagle Mountain, has been hired as the head football coach for the new Westlake High School in Saratoga Springs. Walker comes to the position following a very successful tenure as defensive coordinator with Timpview High School in Provo, a school that has won the 4A State Football Title for four out of the last five years.

First employed by Eagle Mountain City in 2007 as a management intern in the masters of public administration program at Brigham Young University, Walker was hired as a full-time management analyst this year. He will continue to work for the city while serving as head football coach for Westlake High, an opportunity he is excited about.

“I like the camaraderie of being part of a team and the interaction with the kids,” Walker said.

Walker, who is in the process of putting a staff together, says his goal for his first year as head coach is to be competitive in every game. “I only know how to prepare one way, and that is to win state championships,” he said.

Eagle Mountain City Mayor Heather Jackson thinks Walker’s unique knowledge of the region will be an asset in his role as head football coach. “Jason Walker has been an excellent addition to our city staff. I believe he will bring a lot of good insight and experience to his role at Westlake High School."

Westlake High School is scheduled to open in fall of 2009 with 1,100 students. The school will service Eagle Mountain, Saratoga Springs, Cedar Fort, and Fairfield. The school’s mascot will be known as “The Thunder” and the school colors will be light blue, navy blue and old gold.

Walker lives in Saratoga Springs with his wife Mika. They are expecting their first child in the spring.

###

Monday, December 8, 2008

Silver Lake Village, Eagle Mtn.

"The vast majority of homes in Silver Lake Village have either been abandoned mid-construction, or have been foreclosed on and then abandoned. Front doors that were never installed with knobs swing open day and night. Strangers doing drugs and having sex in abandoned houses have to be chased out, and raccoons have infested many. There is a sinkhole in one of the streets. Holes dug for basements are collapsing, posing a danger to the children who play there. The foundations of some of the homes are cracking and sinking. A pile of abandoned furniture sits in front of one home. There may be squatters living in another. Several of the abandoned homes have been vandalized, the perpetrators removing granite countertops, appliances, even pulling up the wood floors. Someone used a car to smash in the garage door of one home." - Daily Herald

Is this really the way Silver Lake Village is?

Wednesday, December 3, 2008

Eagle Mtn. Pony Express Days 2009

COUNTRY STARS DARRYL WORLEY AND JOSH GRACIN TO PERFORM

“A SALUTE TO OUR TROOPS” CONCERT DURING PONY EXPRESS DAYS

Eagle Mountain, UT, December 3 – Eagle Mountain City and K-Bull 93 FM will co-sponsor a “Low Dough” Country Concert entitled “A Salute to Our Troops” that will be the culminating event of the city’s Pony Express Days celebration on Saturday, June 6, 2009 at the Silverlake Amphitheatre (7920 N. Silverlake Parkway). The Eagle Mountain city council approved a contract last night for popular country-western artists Josh Gracin and Darryl Worley to perform.

“With our close proximity to Camp Williams, Eagle Mountain is proud to be home to numerous military members and their families,” Mayor Heather Jackson said. “We support them throughout the year by providing parades for every soldier returning home from war deployment, and by sending care packages to those soldiers who are currently deployed. We believe that these artists will provide meaningful family entertainment and understand the great patriotism that resonates with the citizens of Eagle Mountain.”

Songwriter and country music star Darryl Worley has had sixteen singles on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart, including three number ones: “I Miss My Friend,” “Awful, Beautiful Life”, and “Have You Forgotten?”, which was inspired by the events of September 11, 2001 and was nominated for a Country Music Association Award for Single of the Year.

Worley frequently performs for U.S. troops in Iraq and Afghanistan. He played a key role in the organization of the American Freedom Festival, an annual concert that benefits U.S. veterans. He is currently working on his seventh album, “Sounds Like Life”, scheduled for release in 2009.

Josh Gracin first received national attention as a contestant on season two of “American Idol”.

Gracin finished fourth in a season that featured other future recording artists Ruben Studdard, Clay Aiken, Kimberly Locke, and Utah’s own Carmen Rasmusen.

An active-duty U.S. Marine while on “American Idol”, Gracin has since released his self-titled debut album, which was certified Gold and spawned three top 5 singles: “I Want to Live”, “Stay With Me (Brass Bed)”, and the number one “Nothin’ To Lose”. Gracin’s current single “We Weren’t Crazy” is off his soon-to-be-released sophomore album of the same name.

Tickets for the concert will be $15, with a special price for active duty members of the military of $12, (limit 6 tickets per military member). Tickets are expected to go on sale in January and will be available through SmithsTix and at Eagle Mountain City Hall, 1650 E. Stagecoach Run.

For more information on these performers, you may visit their individual websites at www.darrylworley.musiccitynetworks.com and www.joshgracin.com.

###

200 Parks in Eagle Mtn?

"Tucked away on the west side of Utah Lake, this city could become the home of more than 200 parks by the time it reaches its buildout of some 190,300 residents." - Deseret News

Eagle Mtn. Rec. Center

"Some 70 percent of residents say they want a recreation center, according to a recent city survey, but only about half the respondents would support paying for it with a monthly fee based on their home value.

The likelihood of getting residents to agree to the assessment — about $30 a month on a $200,000 home — was split along gender lines with men more likely to reject it, city management analyst Jason Walker said. Most respondents who favor the recreation center are women ages 26 to 35, he said.

The survey was included in residents' utility bills. Some 5,200 were sent out and 1,042 were returned, about a 20 percent response.

Support grows for the center if the assessment drops to $6 to $10 a month. About 40 percent of respondents said they would support an aquatic center over a recreation center, the survey showed.

Some 60 percent of residents who returned a survey live in The Ranches, the northernmost collection of subdivisions in Eagle Mountain, with the rest living in the city center to the south or elsewhere. Overall, residents favor a recreation center, but are divided over how to pay for it, Walker said. Folks in The Ranches are more generally opposed, he said.

A recreation center is anticipated to cost more than $1 million. However, the city collects only about $800,000 in property taxes. If funding for a recreation center were put on a ballot the people would likely not vote for it in the current economic climate, Walker said.

The first of three survey open houses for residents begins in January." - Deseret News

Saturday, November 29, 2008

Eagle Mtn. Grocery Store Update

"For the past two or more months, the City Council has been scheduling "status updates" on Coop's Market and then canceling those updates, raising the specter that plans for the grocery store might not move forward. Those concerns were put to rest recently when the city not only approved the rezone of more than 20 acres for the store, but approved the site plan and plat for the store, too.

The store has been in the works for more than a year. It will be 47,000 square feet, with an additional 40,000 square feet of adjacent store space, said Steve Mumford, Eagle Mountain's planning director. Store officials said that compares to the 60,000-square-foot Albertsons in Lehi, or a typical 220,000-square-foot Wal-Mart. The new store will be about the same size as the Kohler's grocery store in Highland.

The $9 million store will operate as part of Associated Foods and will be located on the north side of State Road 73 at Ranches Parkway. Store officials have called the grocery store a superstore, saying it will include a bakery, deli, butcher's counter, indoor pharmacy, drive-up pharmacy and organics. The store is expected to employ 125 full-time and part-time workers, and could add hundreds of thousands of dollars a year to city coffers, according to city officials." -Daily Herald

Tuesday, November 25, 2008

Eagle Mtn. Turkey Trot

The Turkey Walk/Trot is free of charge and will begin at the LDS Stake Center building at 2977 Saddle Rock Road. The finish will be along the trail across from Eagle Mountain City Hall, 1650 E. Stagecoach Run. A free turkey will be awarded to the first family group to finish and pies will also be awarded. Wagon rides will be provided back to the start and free hot chocolate, donuts, and Gatorade will be available for all participants.

What: Opening of Pony Express/Sweetwater Trail – Turkey Walk/Trot Event
When: Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 27, 2008 at 9 AM
Where: Start is at 2977 Saddle Rock Road (LDS Chapel), Eagle Mountain, and finish is across from Eagle Mountain City Hall, 1650 E. Stagecoach Run

Pony Express Sweetwater Trail Complete

Eagle Mountain, UT, November 25 – Construction has been completed on the Pony Express-Sweetwater Trail, a five mile trail that connects the two currently developed areas of Eagle Mountain City known as The Ranches and City Center. A Turkey Walk/Trot event sponsored by Eagle Mountain City will be held on Thanksgiving morning, Thursday, November 27 at 9 AM to celebrate the completion of the trail.

The Pony Express-Sweetwater Trail runs parallel to the historic Pony Express Trail - a route for mail carriers on horseback who traveled from Missouri to California from 1860 to 1861. The original Pony Express Trail was a means for connecting the eastern part of the United States with the west. The Pony Express-Sweetwater Trail provides a similar connection for the eastern and western parts of Eagle Mountain City, the third largest city in Utah in land area at 47.1 square miles.

Local riders with the National Pony Express Association will lead off the Turkey Walk/Trot on horseback in honor of this historical connection.

“This trail will provide another fantastic outdoor recreation opportunity for our residents, as well as an additional mode of access between the two sections of our city,” Mayor Heather Jackson said.

Eagle Mountain City A No Show

When it came to a county-wide smoke ban...

"One city, Eagle Mountain, notably opposed a countywide ban and argued that cities should be allowed to form their own policies -- but nobody from that city showed up at the public hearing to argue the point. In fact, nobody at all argued against it, much to the surprise of the board." -Daily Herald

Smoke Ban in Utah County Parks

The new smoke ban that has been approved for all Utah County parks is a joke.

This decision should have been made at the city level by the mayors.

No More Smoke in Eagle Mtn. Parks

"The Utah County Board of Health has approved a ban on smoking in public parks and for all gatherings of more than 100 people on public property.

The ban takes effect Jan. 1 and prohibits smoking in public parks, baseball fields, soccer fields and other publicly owned recreation areas.

It also applies to mass gatherings, such as public rallies or ceremonies.

Those who light up can be fined $25 for the first offense, and $100 for subsequent offenses." -ksl.com

Friday, November 21, 2008

Eagle Mtn. to Annex Land

"City leaders are taking steps to annex land on the west side all the way to Fairfield, while separately turning more agriculture land into commercial uses.

Also, the City Council on Tuesday approved the land use document and master development plan that regulates how a 364-home community in the northeast section of the city will be developed. The nearly 40 acres is to be annexed from Saratoga Springs.

Dubbed Scenic Mountain, the development is to have nearly 10 homes per acre." -Deseret News

Eagle Mtn. Freezes Hiring

Keeping a careful eye on its budget, Eagle Mountain says it is working to strike a fiscal balance despite tightening revenues.

Unlike some cities, Eagle Mountain has no plans to lay off employees, said city manager John Hendrickson. The city has, however, issued a hiring freeze and has been trimming budgets where possible.-Daily Herald

Wednesday, November 19, 2008

Eagle Mtn. Ranches HOA Board of Trustee Comments on Gas Surcharge

Ranches HOA Board of Trustee, Jon Barclay commenting on my recent post entitled "Eagle Mtn. Mayor Comments on Garbage Pickup Gas Surcharge"

"Jon Barclay said...

Great Job on holding our elected officials accountable.

With gas down to $1.87 in the ranches I can't imagine that Waste Management will be able to justify this for too much longer.

November 18, 2008 10:18 AM"

Eagle Mtn. School Back After Virus Outbreak

"The Ranches elementary school in Eagle Mountain called off last Friday so the 50 or so students could get over the Norovirus sickness that broke out last week.

Monday was the first day of school but officials and school staff are still wary of the highly contagious disease spreading again. They are asking that any of the children who were sick to stay out of school for 24 hours after symptoms have passed." -myfoxutah.com

Eagle Mtn. City Council Rejects Recycling Offers

"Speaking to the Daily Herald, city spokeswoman Linda Peterson said the city had received one bid from Waste Management saying the company would like to provide recycling service but would be unable to provide a price per household in their bid right now because of national economic turmoil. They asked the city to wait to choose a recycling company until Waste Management could provide a bid, but did not show how long that would take.

Allied Waste also submitted a bid, but it provided cost estimates only for a citywide mandatory program, and Council members have said they are loath to force residents to pay for recycling service, Peterson said.

Instead, the city has asked Allied to provide pricing for an opt-out program, in which all residents would be signed up for recycling service unless they tell the city they don't want it.

If 90 percent of residents or more keep the service, participating households would be charged $4.49, Peterson said. That price increases to $4.62 if only 80 to 89 percent keep the service, $5.08 if 60 to 79 percent recycle, and finally to $5.69 per household if fewer than 60 percent of residents recycle.

Council members are expected to debate these rates and an opt-out recycling program at their Dec. 2 meeting. If enacted, pickup would be every other week."-Daily Herald

Friday, November 14, 2008

Eagle Mtn. Mayor Comments on Garbage Pickup Gas Surcharge

My recent email to Eagle Mountain Mayor Heather Jackson and her response to doing away with the $1 gas surcharge that Allied Waste is charging Eagle Mountain residents.

My email:

Mayor Jackson,

Fellow City Center resident here.

With continued falling gas prices, can we expect that Allied Waste is
going to drop the $1.00 surcharge for fuel?

I know we're only talking about a dollar here, but multiplied by every
house in Eagle Mountain, that's a nice stash of cash.

Mayor Jackson's response:

"Thank you for your email. Your concern is also ours and we follow
whether the changes by Allied Waste are correct. The fuel surcharge
follows a proscribed Index for fuel cost in the Utah market and is
charged in arrears. In other words, the fuel index for October will not
show up until November; November's index until December, and so on. As
fuel prices drop this will be reflected in the index and the fuel
surcharge will follow.

I hope this answers your question. Be assured that we do everything we
can to either reduce or maintain costs for City services. The only rate
increases we have instituted are those we must due to contractual
obligations.

Again, thank you for taking the time to email regarding your concerns.

Sincerely,

Mayor Heather Jackson
Eagle Mountain City"

Eagle Mtn. City Councilman Comments on Gas Surcharge

Eagle Mountain City Councilman, David Lifferth commenting on my previous blog entry entitled: "Garbage Pickup Gas Surcharge in Eagle Mountain".

"David said...

I agree and I have requested a review and adjustment of the fuel surcharge.
-David Lifferth
November 14, 2008 7:12 AM"

Eagle Mtn. Library Bans Afternoon Online Gaming

"Beginning a few weeks ago, the library announced that, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. each day, the library's Internet access would be a video game-free zone."-Daily Herald

Stomach Virus Shuts Down Ranches Academy in Eagle Mtn.

Video Courtesy of KSL.com

Thursday, November 13, 2008

Garbage Pickup Gas Surcharge in Eagle Mountain

With the rapid decline in gas prices it makes me wonder if Allied Waste will reconsider their monthly $1 gas surcharge being applied to every household here in Eagle Mountain.

My guess is they won't.

Once a company has been granted to pass the buck, there is no looking back.

Wednesday, November 12, 2008

I-15 Rebuild and Other Roads to Bailout Eagle Mountain

UDOT plans on reconstructing a 20 mile stretch in Utah County to the tune of $2.6 billion dollars. This also includes two new major east-west roads that will be built to avoid construction.

Pioneer Crossing will be the name of a six mile stretch of road located at 1000 South in Lehi from the American Fork Main Street interchange to Redwood Road.

Vineyard Corridor is the name of the other east-west road. It will be a nine mile run that begins in Orem running through VIneyard, Lindon, and the American Fork Main Street interchange.

Wednesday, November 5, 2008

Eagle Mtn. to Get Express Bus Service

Saratoga Springs and Eagle Mountain residents will be getting express bus service to and from Salt Lake City after voting to approve a tax increase to join in Utah Transit Authority's coverage area.

With all of Saratoga Springs's five precincts reporting in by 11 p.m., its voters agreed roughly 2:1 to join UTA and raise sales tax by one quarter of a cent in their community. Unofficial numbers were 1,844 voters for the initiative and 929 against.

Eagle Mountain results showed a wider margin of approval, reporting in 40 minutes after Saratoga Springs polls with 1,783 voting to ratify the initiative and 509 opposed.

Passing the initiative allows UTA to provide bus service as soon as April 2009. Residents with disabilities in both cities will also have access to UTA's Paratransit program.-Daily Herald

Eagle Mtn. Scout Buys Badge Books for Library

The city library has received two copies each of the 120 merit badge books necessary for Boy Scouts to learn how to earn their awards, thanks to an Eagle Scout project.

Matthew McInelly collected more than $1,000 from family and residents to buy the books, said his mother, Debbie McInelly. Originally he was going to collect enough to buy just one copy of each book, but the library asked if he could double the donation. At the same time, the organization came out with new books, which dramatically raised the price.-Deseret News

Eagle Mtn. Skate Park Set to Open

PONY EXPRESS SKATE PARK TO OPEN NOVEMBER 5
Ribbon Cutting Ceremony Planned

Eagle Mountain, UT, November 4 – Eagle Mountain City will officially open its new skate park with a ribbon cutting ceremony and community event on Wednesday, November 5 at 4:30 PM.

The public is invited to attend the event at Pony Express Skate Park and test out the equipment or just enjoy watching the first ollies and grinds happen at the 11,000 square foot facility. In addition to opening the park with a ribbon cutting ceremony, there will be prize giveaways from local skate shops and refreshments.

Thursday, October 30, 2008

Fake Grass for Eagle Mtn.

It looks like grass, feels like grass, and comes with a 30-year warranty. Trying an experiment, Eagle Mountain has installed fake grass inside a median at the City Center turnoff onto Eagle Mountain Boulevard from Highway 73.
Fake grass, as it turns out, has benefits in spades. It requires no water, it looks good all the time, and the city doesn't have to pay anyone to haul mowers to it all summer, fertilizer it, pump scarce water to it or even maintain it.

At least that's the hope. This small patch, which replaced existing grass that had gone to weeds, will be watched over the winter to see how it weathers, and if its a success, more could follow, said city manager John Hendrickson.- Daily Herald

Tuesday, October 28, 2008

Eagle Mtn. Yard and Bake Sale to Benefit Teen with Cancer

The sale is this Saturday, Nov. 15, from 8 a.m. to noon at The Ranches Academy, 7789 Tawny Owl Circle. Additionally, an account in Luc's name has been set up at Zions Bank for folks who want to make cash donations. All of the proceeds and donations are going to pay for the family's medical and travel expenses, according to a flyer circulating in Eagle Mountain.-Des News

Fatal Plane Crash Near Cedar Fort

A private bi-plane crashed this morning around 11 a.m. in the Oquirrh Mountains near Cedar Fort in Utah County killing the pilot.

Cedar Fort is west of Eagle Mountain in the northern part of the county.

The Utah County Sheriff's Office says hunters in the area, on private property, saw the plane performing flips and other acrobatics.

Then they heard the engine make a funny noise and saw the plane spiral out of control and crash in the foothills of Long Ridge in the West Canyon.

That is in an area about five or six miles north of Cedar Fort.

The plane erupted into flames and because the wreckage is charred crews have not been able to remove or identify the pilot or his plane.-ksl.com

Friday, October 24, 2008

Eagle Mountain Goes Green

On Thursday the city, looking to get information on energy efficient home building, met with an expert in that field from a private company, Steve Mumford and city spokeswoman Linda Peterson told the Herald on Thursday. In addition, one of the city's inspectors is being trained on solar panels, and Mumford is working with the city's building and energy departments to propose future sustainable living ordinances for Council debate.

Those future proposals could target water conservation, zeriscaping, incentives for solar panels and windmills, community gardens, reducing the lot size requirements for windmills, and giving density bonuses for green-certified building.-Daily Herald

Thursday, October 23, 2008

Eagle Mountain's "Bridge to Nowhere"?

The Daily Herald is reporting that funding for a study about building a road bridge over Utah Lake has been cut.

Because of the slowing economy, legislators slashed the original budget of $3 million to just $750,000.

Rep. Ken Sumsion R-American Fork insists that the study for the project isn't dead yet.

More Traffic in Eagle Mountain?

Developers will have to wait for a traffic study before adding nearly 40 acres to the northeast corner of Eagle Mountain complete with a master plan for 389 homes.

Developers of the Scenic Mountain Master Development Plan are proposing a mixture of residential uses with a gross density of nearly 10 homes per acre. The City Council held a hearing on Aug. 18, but took no action because the land, which is near the Ranches Golf Course driving range, is in Saratoga Springs.

Capital Security Mortgage and Tracy K. Gibbs own the property but want to be in Eagle Mountain. The City Council approved changing the boundary, but want a traffic study to see if a signal is needed at state Route 73 and Mt. Airey Drive, the street that enters the area, city spokeswoman Linda Peterson said.

The study may be completed next time the council meets on Nov. 18, she said.- Deseret News

— Rodger L. Hardy

Charges Filed Against Eagle Mtn. Couple

Police call it one of the worst cases of abuse and neglect they have seen. Now, the Eagle Mountain couple accused of abusing two children in their care, and leaving them malnourished, face criminal charges.

As the two suspects made their first court appearance, prosecutors filed several charges against them resulting from last week's discovery of the abuse. And there is a new allegation that the boy was sexually abused.-ksl.com

Video Courtesy of KSL.com

Meet Them Before You Vote for Them

Eagle Mountain Direct Online is reporting that the candidates from the Utah House District 56, Utah Senate District 13, and U.S. House District 3 will be attending a "Meet the Local Candidates Night".

October 28, 2008 at 6:30 PM

Hidden Hollow Elementary School
2546 E. Pony Express Parkway

Eagle Mtn. Skate Park Set to Open

Eagle Mountain Direct Online is reporting that the Eagle Mountain City skate park is near completion and set to open Nov. 5th (Just in time for Winter).

There ijavascript:void(0)s a ribbon cutting ceremony slated for 4:30p that day.

Wednesday, October 22, 2008

Harry Potter Comes to Eagle Mountain for Halloween

"If you happen to see a professor from Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry -- or even a dementor -- floating around Eagle Mountain in the next few weeks, don't be alarmed.

Residents of the Saddleback and Liberty Farms subdivisions are putting on a very special Halloween celebration, creating the world of Harry Potter for trick-or-treaters.

Muggles and wizards alike can tour such places as the Forbidden Forest, Azkaban Prison or Madame Puddifoot's Tea Shop. In all, organizers expect to have about 20 homes decorated. So far, you can visit the Daily Prophet and meet Rita Skeeter, find at gag at Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes, pick up a drink at the Three Broom Sticks, or do your detentions in Snape's potions classroom or Professor Umbridge's office."-Daily Herald

Tuesday, October 21, 2008

Eagle Mountain Couple Now Being Accussed of Sexual Abuse

"A couple charged with starving and abusing two children now is being accused of sexual abuse.

Mary Heath and her boyfriend, Sekoa Aiona, were arrested last week. Police say they locked Heath's 9-year-old niece and 6-year-old nephew in the bathrooms of their Eagle Mountain home, beat them and didn't feed them.

Now a doctor says the boy has injuries consistent with sexual abuse."-KSL.com

Monday, October 20, 2008

What One LDS Author Thinks of Eagle Mountain


Brittany Mangus, author of the book "Prepare Now for the Temple: An Essential Guide for Young Adult Sisters" had this to say about Eagle Mountain in her recent blog post.

"What is going on out there? You're only 12 years old but I need to inform you that you're getting a strange reputation. No, I'm not talking about clogging the streets of Lehi with your commuters. Lately, it seems whenever something weird happens, the TV tells us that the person involved in the questionableness was one of your residents (or mayors!).

For example in only 12 years of being in existance, you've had something like 8 or 9 mayors. Remember your crazy mayor who said he was kidnapped and forced to drive to California, but it was all a lie? (He was feeling underappreciated.) What about your other crazy mayor and the allegations of fund stealing? (He was however, acquitted.) Even if he hadn't been accused of stealing city fundage, let's not forget his so-called master's degree. Well, I guess I can over look that one. So what if he printed off his diploma from his computer at home? Does someone really need a Master's to reign over you?
Then there was the domestic violence committing paraglider, (not the mayor, whew!) and lately it seems there are more than one news story about child abuse.
I think you need to re-evaluate your priorities and get back to tricking people into thinking they're living in the "country", even though all the houses are 3 feet apart."-authorbee.blogspot.com

Wednesday, October 15, 2008

Two Eagle Mtn Residents Arrested for Child Abuse

The Utah Valley Special Victims Unit and the Utah County Sheriff's Office arrested Mary Heath, 33, and Sekoa Aiona, 37, of Eagle Mountain.

The sheriff's office says the two children were severely malnourished and neglected.

The boy and girl were being kept locked in a bathroom and were punished regularly with a leather belt.

Heath is the children's aunt. They were living with her after their mother lost custody.-KSL.com



Tuesday, October 14, 2008

Trespassing, Property Damage Upsetting To Property Owners

The Daily Herald reported Tuesday that landowners are desperate for help in keeping intruders away from posted no-trespassing areas.

Eagle Mountain landowners along Lake Mountain Road have had it with motorbikes, all terrain vehicles and automobiles driving on their property to get to BLM land.

Those folks' property has been stolen, their horses frightened and their grass trampled.
"We just want them to respect the fact that private property has a right to be protected," resident Judy Hooley told the Herald.

She has asked her City Council for help, but posting of signs seems ineffective.

"We have put up signs two or three times a year and they disappear. I have even gotten signs from the Sheriff's Department and they don't care about those either," Hooley said.

Utah County Sheriff's Sgt. Eric McDowell acknowledges deputies have been called numerous times about trespassers. He suggests fences.

But Marcie Taylor, who lives on Lake Mountain Road, says she put up an orange snow fence -- only to have repeatedly cut by off-rode recreationists.

Sunday, October 12, 2008

Fmr. Eagle Mountain Mayor Tells "The Rest of the Story"


Olsen said he did not want to resign on Oct. 20, 2006, nor had he planned to.

The city offices were closed on that day, and Olsen had just returned home from picking up his children from school. State Sen. Mark Madsen, R-Eagle Mountain; Councilman David Lifferth; Olsen's chief of staff/public works director Mike Wren; and Chris Kemp, a developer, were waiting for him at his house.

"As soon as I stepped out of the vehicle there were three of them standing right behind me," Olsen said. "They wanted to come in the house. I said my wife was on bed rest, and they said, 'You have to come with us now' and they were serious and firm and you could tell they would not take no for an answer." Olsen's wife was in the last days of a fragile pregnancy.

The men then drove Olsen to Eagle Mountain Properties, to the office of John Walden, the developer who founded Eagle Mountain. "That is when they demanded that I resign," Olsen said.

Lifferth handed Olsen a pre-made resignation letter, written as though Olsen had written it, and told Olsen to sign it for the good of the city, Olsen said.

"They put the resignation letter in front of me and said, 'We know you are going to be criminally charged,' " Olsen said. "They said they were no longer going to support me." Olsen noted he had always counted the men as "friends and political supporters."

Wren then accused Olsen of stealing "thousands upon thousands of dollars," Olsen said. Wren could not be reached for comment.

"I said, 'Guys, there has to be a misunderstanding, I did not steal,' " Olsen said.

He said Lifferth then told him about a former mayor having to wear a bullet-proof vest after leaving office and that CNN would be parked in Olsen's driveway, "and said if I did not leave immediately my wife and kids would not be safe."

In an interview with the Herald, Lifferth confirmed the conversation, saying he had been genuinely concerned about the security of Olsen and his family.

Lifferth said he and the others confronted Olsen with a resignation letter because "we were all concerned about what was going to happen to the city when a sitting mayor was exposed for reimbursement fraud."

Olsen said he made a decision on the spot to sign the resignation letter, and then went home and told his wife what he had done.

"You can imagine the disbelief," he said of telling his wife. "We felt betrayed because of who had made the demand."

Olsen took his family and fled the city that night, afraid of Lifferth's warning.

In retrospect, Olsen said he regrets that decision because his sudden resignation and disappearance left a public impression of guilt.

"I understand how people saw it," he said.

With his wife very near her due date, Olsen rented a home in Sanpete County to be near the doctor who had delivered the couple's first four children. Olsen said he naively thought the political storm could be quickly resolved.

"I never believed this would take two years," he said. -Daily Herald, Sunday, Oct. 12, 2008

Wednesday, October 8, 2008

They Tried to Make Eagle Mountain Go to Rehab

They tried to make Eagle Mountain go to rehab, but they said, NO NO NO!

Well not really, but when the idea of having the "Arc of Little Cottonwood" group provide a drug rehab home for those trying to kick their substance abuse problems, residents of Eagle Mountain said, thanks, but no thanks.

Currently there is one of these facilities next to an elementary school in Sandy.

My opinion is everyone agrees that we need places for people like this, but when these types of places want to come to your neighborhood it's always a "not in my neighborhood" kind of mentality.

It is similar to a person who builds his house with his backyard facing a golf course, then complains because golf balls hit his house. You knew the golf course was there when you built and even if it was wasn't, you knew that empty field behind your house had to be something someday.

It's fine to voice concern with facilities like this wanting to be in your neighborhood, but hear them out. Let them explain their setup. For goodness sakes, show a little compassion for people that have problems looking to get help. Especially here in Utah County where studies have shown prescription drug abuse reigns. Who knows, a drug rehab home may not be such a bad thing after all.

Saturday, October 4, 2008

Eagle Mountain Resident Challenges Utah County SWAT Search

"Eagle Mountain resident Matthew Paul Graham, 35, a former Utah National Guardsman, stands charged with aggravated kidnapping, a first-degree felony, stemming from a standoff Jan. 31 with Utah County SWAT. Earlier that morning, Graham got into a fight with then-wife Mindy. Police arrived on scene, and Graham barricaded himself inside the home with a small arsenal of weapons after Mindy fled with the couple's four children, ages 11 to 2." -Deseret News

Graham's defense is now claiming that Utah County SWAT illegally removed guns from his home without a search warrant.

Does Graham have a case?

Another Eagle Mountain Park To Be Ready 09'

Little soccer stars and soccer moms long ago out grew Eagle Mountain's Nolan Park.

Now those future stars and mini-van driven moms will have more room to roam during games beginning in Fall 2009.

According to the Salt Lake Tribune, Eagle Mountain City Council has approved phase one of Mid-Valley Regional Park.

According to Eagle Mountain Mayor Heather Jackson, phase one will be 4 acres of mainly grass for soccer fields and a parking lot.

The park could take up to ten phases with uncertainty as to how much all the phases will cost.

Wednesday, October 1, 2008

Child Abuse Case Hits Eagle Mountain

An Eagle Mountain man has been arrested by police for allegedly hitting and throwing his 13-year-old son to the floor.

The alleged incident took place around July 24th.

Craig Perkins, 34, was arrested Tuesday afternoon and booked into the Utah County Jail for investigation of child abuse. Rutsch said Perkins was cooperative when officers came to talk with him Tuesday, but invoked his right to speak with an attorney. -Des News

Thursday, September 25, 2008

Fmr. Eagle Mountain Mayor Found Not Guilty

KSL.com is reporting that former Eagle Mountain Mayor, Brian Olsen has been found NOT GUILTY of all charges.

Fmr. Eagle Mountain Mayor Blames Staff

"Deputy Utah County Attorney Chad Grunander confronted Olsen with his e-mail asking Ferre to prepare an expense report for a water-law conference in Springdale, asking for reimbursement for driving to and from the conference - an almost 600-mile commute - as well as daily expenses.

Olsen said the e-mail was not a request for an advance, but rather an inquiry into how much the conference would cost so he could decide if he wanted to attend. He said he thought the conference was in Springville, not Springdale.

Olsen didn't attend the conference, but he still got the check, Grunander pointed out.
"You cashed the check on Oct. 6, two days later," Grunander said.
Olsen noted he reimbursed the city for that check, but Grunander said that was a day after an investigator called him about misusing funds." -Salt Lake Tribune

Olsen continued to say that he shouldn't have trusted his staff to submit reimbursements.

Olsen also was handing in reimbursements unsigned.

Tuesday, September 23, 2008

Eagle Mountain Mayor Opposes Countywide Smoke-free Park Ban

Eagle Mountain Mayor Heather Jackson was the only Utah County mayor that opposed a countywide smoke-ban in public parks.

Instead she favors letting each city decide.

How do you feel? Do you favor a countywide ban? Or should cities be able to establish their own laws regarding smoking in public parks?

Monday, September 22, 2008

Details Coming Out Regarding Fmr. Eagle Mountain Mayor's Mishaps

"Prosecutor Chad Grunander explained each of the seven counts to the jury, saying that for one evening meeting in American Fork, Olsen's secretary went but Olsen didn't. Later, he requested her to make a reimbursement sheet for his travel to the meeting.

"She questioned the mayor, confronted him," Grunander said. "She'll describe his reaction, it was somewhat defensive."

Grunander said Olsen told her he had attended a meeting earlier that day. But Grunander said they have another witness who will testify there was no meeting earlier that day.

Grunander said that, weeks before Olsen resigned in October 2006, he asked for a reimbursement for a three-day water-law conference in Springdale.

Evidence will show the conference was only two days long, Grunander told the jury, and witnesses will testify that they were with Olsen on the two days of the conference — including one who had lunch with him at the Ranches Golf Club.

Each check was cashed days after the scheduled event, Grunander said. And the only time Olsen paid the city back was on Oct. 19, a day after speaking with investigators from the Utah County Attorney's Office, Grunander said." -Deseret News

Thursday, September 18, 2008

Eagle Mountain's Utah Lake Commission Membership

If Eagle Mountain wants continue having a say at the Utah Lake Commission meetings then they better pony up the dough.

In years past cities around the greater Utah Lake area could attend meetings and have a say without paying the annual membership fee.

According to the Daily Herald, the Utah Lake Commission is giving Payson and Eagle Mountain until June to pay their dues.

Wednesday, September 17, 2008

UDOT Maps Out Wishlist, Includes Eagle Mountain

Utah transport planners have mapped out their wish list of road projects for the future.

Within those plans it includes a Lake Mountain pass road from Utah Lake to Eagle Mountain.

No word on how much this road would cost, but UDOT says that if it expanded the 201 to six-lanes that it would cost them about $2.1 billion dollars.

You can only imagine what Lake Mountain pass would cost

Tuesday, September 16, 2008

More Horses In Eagle Mountain?

Is half an acre enough land to own a horse?

Maybe, if city council members in Eagle Mountain vote it through.

Eagle Mountain city council also plans on discussing how many horses you can have if you live in Meadow Ranch.

The Eagle Mountain city council meets tonight (Tues) at 7p to discuss policies.

Monday, September 15, 2008

Eagle Mountain Rec Center

How much are you willing to shell out for a rec center in Eagle Mountain?

Eagle Mountain polled residents on its Web site. Out of 462 responses, only 18 expressed opposition.

So, it appears that you are willing to shell out tax dollars to fund such a building.

But should rec centers be built by cities, funded by tax paying dollars or should these facilities be be built by private businesses?

Another Traffic Light For Eagle Mountain Commuters

If you're an Eagle Mountain resident and you use Camp Williams as a way into Salt Lake County, prepare for the new traffic signal that is going in at Camp Williams.

Sunday, September 7, 2008

Eagle Mountain To Introduce 'Budget Billing'

Tired of those utility payments that are sky high in the Winter and progressively lower from Spring to Fall.

City officials have developed and are now taking applications from residents in good standing to sign up for the equal monthly utility plan being dubbed 'Budget Billing'.

Other than being in good payment standing with the city, the only other eligibility requirements are that you must have lived in your house for at least a year.

Wednesday, September 3, 2008

Eagle Mountain To Consider Sales Tax Hike


Residents of Eagle Mountain probably plan on voting for a quarter-cent sales tax in November that would help to pay for a express bus to Salt Lake City.

Saratoga Springs is also considering on such a vote.

Each city would have have a park-in-ride lot along with express bus routes.

Under the city proposals both cities would have to agree to the tax hike.

If this is seen to completion, would you be willing to take the express to work everyday?

Thursday, August 28, 2008

Eagle Mountain Gas Prices


I know that we only have two gas stations here in Eagle Mountain, but I find it interesting that one will either raise or drop it's prices and the other station here is quick to follow.

I find myself filling up at the Maverik in Bluffdale because they're usually cheaper by five cents or more as compared to the Maverik here in Eagle Mountain.

What's interesting is they get their gas from the same refinery as I often find myself stuck behind the fuel truck on Camp Williams after it made a stop in Bluffdale headed to the Eagle Mountain Maverik.

Monday, August 25, 2008

Eagle Mountain Boy Nearly Drowns

A 2-year-old boy was flown to Primary Children's Hospital Monday evening after nearly drowning.

According to the Utah County Sheriff's Office the boy was in the water for about a minute.

The boy is reportedly doing well.

Friday, August 22, 2008

Fmr Eagle Mountain Mayoral Candidate Heads To Prison


Richard Culbertson! Remember him? Probably because you voted for him in the last Eagle Mountain Mayoral Primary.

Culbertson was sentenced to four concurrent terms of one to 15 years in prison for mortgage fraud.

His wife will also spend 60 days in jail for her role.

Why this man thought he could run for mayor and not get busted for this is beyond me.

Thanks goodness this guy didn't win the election or he would have had to resign already.

Let' s continue to keep frauds like this as far away from Eagle Mountain politics as possible.

Wednesday, August 20, 2008

That Garbage Is Going To Cost You


Eagle Mountain city says they won't raise your property taxes but they will raise the rate you pay for garbage collection.

Currently one can costs $10.50 a month with the second costing $6.

Under the new plan, that first can will cost you $11.00 a month with the second costing $6.25.

Also, you knew with skyrocketing fuel prices that they would be passing that on to you also.

Under the city's agreement with Allied Waste. there will be a $1 fuel surcharge.

My question is whatever happened to the recycling program survey they were conducting.

I know many residents were complaining that they didn't want to have to pay for a recycling bin, but if you had a recycling bin you wouldn't need that second garbage bin.

Friday, August 15, 2008

Walk to New Eagle Mountain School Unsafe?

Some parents in Eagle Mountain are complaining that the walk required getting to the new school built on Pony Express is unsafe.

According to one parent from an article appearing on KSL.com says that there is only two ways to get to the new school.

One way is to take a dirt path that leads to a big ravine that often floods in the Spring and fills up with snow in the Winter.

The other way is along Pony Express. There is reportedly an electric fence along this trail that has some parents worried.

My take is, teach your kids not to touch the fence. Second, it's probably not going to kill them if they do touch it.

Also, if the walk is so bad, give your kids a ride to school.

Sunday, July 27, 2008

Roads, Roads, and More Roads For Eagle Mountain

In a recent joint work session, the Eagle Mountain and Saratoga Springs city councils came together to bounce ideas off each other about the future of the neighboring cities and to establish an alliance as they approach county and state government for support on several items. Almost everything revolved around roads.

Friday, July 18, 2008

Work Begins On Skate Park

A groundbreaking ceremony was held yesterday for the skate park planned at Pony Express Memorial Park.

It's estimated that the skate park will cost $300,000.

The money required to build the skate park is coming from impact fees that are designated specifically for regional parks improvements.

Pony Express Skate Park will be 11,000 square feet, above ground, and feature a steel-ramp design.

Thursday, July 17, 2008

Utah County HS Gets Name


The new high school being built in Saratoga Springs will be called Westlake with their mascot being called "the thunder".

The high school is the biggest in the Alpine school district and will service both Saratoga Springs and Eagle Mountain .

Wednesday, July 2, 2008

Hearing For Linn Strouse Delayed Again


Enough with these politicians being able to accept gifts.

I'm for a total and complete gift ban. I don't care if these politicians are reporting it as required by law.

The only reason people like John Walden are giving gifts to our elected officials is so that he can have his way when he needs a favor from the city council.

And shame on all politicians who accept these gifts. You should be ashamed of yourselves as elected officials who should be representing the people who voted for you.

Fireworks In Eagle Mountain


Fire Chief Rand Andrus says fireworks are OK this year for the fourth of July.

I would support an all resident ban for the next few years considering how much undeveloped desert there is out there.

What do you think?

Friday, June 20, 2008

Former EM Mayoral Candidate Pleads Guilty


A former Eagle Mountain mayoral candidate and his wife have pleaded guilty to fraud and racketeering charges.
In Marc, Richard and Kathleen Culbertson were charged in a mortgage fraud case for using their daughter and son-in-law's name to buy a house.

Glad this jackass didn't win.

Monday, June 16, 2008

Eagle Mountain Sewer Rates Could See Increase


Thanks to a flat real estate market sewer fees could increase up to 40 percent and maybe even more beyond that.

Time to adopt the policy of if it's yellow leave it mellow and if it's brown flush it down.

Wednesday, June 4, 2008

Alpine School District Not Fond of Eagle Mountain


Alpine school district would love to cut Eagle Mountain out of the school district.

Their reasoning? Too many kids and not enough money out there. So why should they send all the district funds to Eagle Mountain.

What do you think about this?

Tuesday, May 27, 2008

Cities Like Eagle Mountain Feel Gas Pinch

Cities all over the Wasatch Front are looking for ways to go green on their city vehicles.

Has your budget felt the gas pinch yet? If so, is it time to give up that SUV?

Thursday, May 22, 2008

Eagle Mountain Driveways Falling Apart

KSL-TV broke a story on crumbling driveways in Richmond American Home communities.

I have reason to believe that Richmond American homes aren't the only ones with crumbling driveways.

I've seen crumbling driveways in sub-divisions all over Eagle Mountain.

How is your driveway holding up?

Friday, May 16, 2008

Backflow Valve Preventors in Eagle Mountain

Anyone else out there think that backflow valve preventors are a joke?

Friday, May 2, 2008

New Grocery Gets Name

The grocery store coming to Eagle Mountain will be called Coop's Market.

Thursday, May 1, 2008

Grocery Store Finally Coming To Eagle Mountain

First Grocery Store Coming to Eagle Mountain
Contact: Linda Peterson
Community Relations Coordinator
Tel: 801-358-1175
Email: lpeterson@emcity.org
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FIRST GROCERY STORE COMING TO EAGLE MOUNTAIN
Associated Foods Store to Start Construction This Summer

Eagle Mountain, UT, May 1 – A deal to bring the first large-scale grocery store to Eagle Mountain City has been finalized, Mayor Heather Jackson announced today. An Associated Foods store will begin construction in August of this year and is expected to be completed by May 2009. The store will be located on the north side of SR-73 at Ranches Parkway.
“Our citizens have been looking forward to the convenience of shopping in their own city for some time, so we are really excited to announce that it is happening,” Mayor Jackson said.
The Associated Foods store is one product of the city’s increased economic development efforts. As the city with the third largest geographical area in the state, Eagle Mountain has been actively promoting its available land, reasonable prices, and population figures to interested parties within and outside of Utah.
“We’ve been working diligently to develop the means and circumstances to bring more economic development to the city,” City Administrator John Hendrickson said. “This is the first step in what we hope will be more commercial growth for the city.”

Wednesday, April 30, 2008

Slow Economy Could Put Hamper On EM Recycling Program

Eagle Mountain City's website has a poll asking whether residents would be willing to pay up to $7 a month for a curbside recycling program.

According to the Daily Herald, "As of Tuesday morning, 264 people had responded to the survey, with 64 percent saying they supported recycling."

But it appears that EM City Councilman Ryan Ireland has some reservations about such a program with the slumping economy.

The Daily Herald article goes on to say, "Councilman Ryan Ireland cautioned that if the economy continues to stagnate, "$7 a month could be milk instead of recycling. It could become a luxury instead of a necessity.""

Look if $7 a month is determining whether you buy a gallon of milk or not, than your budget was broken long before rising food and oil prices.

I agree with Mayor Jackson for once, give up the second garbage can, which you're being billed for and the $7 a month will be less than you're paying for the extra can.

Sunday, April 27, 2008

UVSC (UVU), Eagle Mountain To Team Up?

Eagle Mountain City is in talks to bring a UVSC satellite campus to Eagle Mountain.

New Elementary School Gets Name

The name of the new elementary school being built in the Ranches will be called Hidden Hollow.

Other considerations included Saddle Ridge, Soldier Pass, and Sweetwater.

I think Antelope Hills would have been a fitting name.

Sunday, April 20, 2008

Redwood To Get Five Lanes

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Whether trying to avoid traffic on I-15 or Lehi's Main Street — or just getting out of a neighborhood to grocery shop — residents in communities like Saratoga Springs and Eagle Mountain in Utah County and Herriman and Bluffdale in Salt Lake County, among others, constantly use Redwood Road as a principal thoroughfare.

For the next year-plus they will be inconvenienced by a major construction project, but transportation officials say it will be worth it.

The Utah Department of Transportation is widening Redwood Road from the Bangerter Highway in Bluffdale to 400 South in Saratoga Springs.

Currently a two-lane road, UDOT plans to widen Redwood to five lanes, with bike lanes on both the northbound and southbound sides, said Adan Carrillo, UDOT spokesman.

UDOT will also install underpasses for wildlife to pass through. "It will greatly reduce the amount of collisions people experience out there with wildlife," Carrillo said.

The underpasses will also protect the animals in their migration patterns, he said.

"We're going to build fences that will guide them underneath these passings so they can use them and cross back and forth safely," he said.

Construction has begun on the north side of Camp Williams in Salt Lake County, Carrillo said.

Billed as a "design-build" project, construction starts when the design for a particular area is complete. When construction is finished in one section, workers move on to another phase of the project.

Construction in Utah County hasn't yet started, and with the design-build phasing, UDOT doesn't have a set timetable for when that would begin, Carrillo said.

UDOT has worked with Bluffdale and Saratoga Springs, which are directly affected by the widening.

Ken Leetham, Saratoga Springs city manager, said city officials have had several detailed meetings with UDOT that have kept them informed and their needs met.

"We've had the chance to make requests of UDOT for future utility crossings and things the public needs in the future, (like) storm drains, sewer lines and all those things," Leetham said.

UDOT has also worked with homeowners and business owners that will be affected along the road, though most of the property that will be impacted by the widening in Saratoga Springs is agricultural land.

Leetham said he hadn't received much feedback from residents about the project, but everything he has heard is positive.

"Everybody out here is really happy to see some road widening being done," he said.

During previous public open houses, residents were able to sign up to receive updates every week in a newsletter sent out by UDOT, Carrillo said.

Anyone interested in signing up to receive the e-mail can either call 455-3116 or send an e-mail to sr68info@langdongroupinc.com and ask to be added to the list.

Carrillo said the 10-mile project should be completed in fall 2009.


Many Eager For East West Connector

LEHI — With thousands of people traveling Lehi's Main Street to and from Saratoga Springs and Eagle Mountain every day, a new road that directs traffic through Lehi is a welcome development for residents.

The Utah Department of Transportation held a public open house last week for the so-called "east-west connector" and its preferred alternative. The road will run at about 1000 South in Lehi from American Fork Main Street to Redwood Road in Saratoga Springs at about 600 North.

Part of the project will be included in the Interstate 15 expansion project, which will reconstruct the American Fork Main Street overpass, said Bryan Adams, UDOT project manager. The project, which is fully funded, will cost $135 million. Part of the $2.6 billion for the I-15 expansion will go to fund the east-west connector from 300 East to the American Fork Main Street overpass, and the $135 million will pay for the road from 300 East to Redwood Road, Adams said. The four-lane road will also have bike lanes and a raised, landscaped median.

So far, the comments UDOT has received from residents concerning the project have been favorable.

"It's been surprising how supportive the community has been with it," Adams said.


The people who are affected by the new road are the same people who travel Lehi Main Street and truly understand the need for another connector, he said.

A corridor exists along 1000 South that allows UDOT to lay a new road without much disruption. Subdivisions have been built on either side of the corridor, and few people will be negatively affected by the project, one reason UDOT picked the alternative, Adams said.

UDOT officials made extra efforts to inform residents about the open houses, handing out 1,000 door hangers in the major residential areas affected in Saratoga Springs and Lehi, encouraging residents to make comments.

Reaching out to residents in another way, UDOT asked the children at Snow Springs Elementary School to name the road. Children from all the classes will submit names to their teachers and on May 19, UDOT and various government officials will choose the new name in an assembly at the school, said Wendy Hansen, UDOT public information specialist.

Several of the residents who attended the meeting said that the road is definitely needed and they were happy to see it come.

Lehi resident David Miller said he felt the road was an important step in meeting the needs of the residents.

"I think they've done a pretty good job with everything they've had to work through," he said.

Although he had thought one of the other alternatives would have been a better choice, he said at the open house he decided they chose the right route.

Residents who attended the open house affirmed Adams' comments about a supportive public.

"Anyone on Lehi Main Street can tell you that something had to change," said Mary Street, a resident and agent for Commerce CRG, a commercial real estate company.

However, worries still remain for some. Kerry Posey, a property owner in Saratoga Springs, said he's worried the road will be adequate for two or three years but will be overcrowded in five or 10.

Vladimir Canro, a developer from South Ogden, said he's worried the connector will force more traffic into his subdivisions and cause traffic problems for homeowners.

UDOT is still accepting public comments, which can be given at www.udot.utah.gov/ewconnector or by calling 753-7344. Construction should begin this fall.

Wednesday, April 9, 2008

Not All Residents Favor Bike Park

Many of the residents speaking against the park said they would like to see the park, just not in their back yards. They said it would bring strangers to their neighborhood, could produce dust, would need bathrooms, a flash flood could wash dirt onto roads, and there are other needs for recreation money in the city.

Chase's response: C'mon is it really in your "backyard"? You built in a developing city with lots of room for sprawl. If you have open space anywhere around your home or subdivision you have to expect something to be built there some day. Second come with some suggestions on what the land would be better used as.

Tuesday, April 8, 2008

Lawyer Wants Competency Hearing Cancelled

The lawyer of a man accused of barricading himself in his Eagle Mountain home earlier this year said a competency evaluation is a waste of time and a method of prolonging proceedings.

Wednesday, April 2, 2008

Purple Heart For Eagle Mountain Guardsman

Sgt. 1st Class Gordon Ewell, of Eagle Mountain, served in the Army National Guard for 23 years, and was injured when his vehicle was struck by a roadside bomb in Iraq. Ewell's duty was to find and destroy the bombs, and his vehicle was hit six different times.

Brigadier General Jeff Burton said the Army is evolving in the way the Purple Heart is awarded. Ewell has waited more than a year and a half for his medal because of the nature of his injuries. While the medal was previously given for visible wounds, those who are injured by some of the roadside bombs in Iraq often have brain damage that manifests itself over a longer period of time.

For the complete story click here



Utah County Sheriffs To Return

The whole thought of Eagle Mountain getting it's own police department anytime soon. Yeah, it ain't happening.

The Utah County Sheriffs Department and Commission have come to an agreement on a new hourly rate to have sheriffs patrolling the streets of Eagle Mountain.

According to the Provo Daily Herald that amount will be $54 an hour. That's up 10 percent from last year.

Tuesday, April 1, 2008

Eagle Mountain Joins Utah Lake Commission

Don't expect Eagle Mountain to have any say on decisions made by the group. Eagle Mountain has been adopted as a non-voting member.

For the rest of the story click here

Mayor Jackson And Others Lobby For Road Money

Eagle Mountain's main concern for roads is to extend Pony Express Parkway to Redwood Road in Saratoga Springs to provide an alternate route for residents traveling to the city, as well as to Fairfield and Cedar Fort, another option besides state Route 73 and 400 North in Saratoga Springs.

For the rest of the story click here

Friday, March 28, 2008

Mayor Jackson Delivers On Promise

Eagle Mountain City Hall now open on Fridays.

Mon-Fri 7:30AM to 5:30PM

Utilities Mon - Thur from 7:30 AM to 6:00 PM and Fridays from 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM.

Thursday, March 27, 2008

Eagle Mountain Planning and Building Department

Utah chapters of the National Association of Industrial & Office Properties and the Society of Industrial and Office Realtors have released a report card for Utah County building and planning departments.

Eagle Mountain got a C+

For the rest of the story click here

Eagle Mountain Sidewalks and Curbs

The Utah Valley Home Builders Association, working with local developers, says it will take a protest of sorts that started in Eagle Mountain and spread it around the valley.

Scot Hazard is an Eagle Mountain developer who prepares subdivisions with sidewalks, curb and gutter and roads so that builders can put up homes. Hazard and developers like him are required to put tens of thousands of dollars in an account for two years as a bond guaranteeing their work. The amount of the bond depends on the size of the subdivision.

If a sidewalk or road needs to be replaced, the money is used by the city to make repairs. If nothing goes wrong, the developer gets the money back.

Now, everything has changed. With the housing market hobbled, developers are no long flush with cash and Hazard said he needs the city to release some of his bond money just so he can pay his contractors. He asked the city to change it policy for all developers.

Authorities from the Home Builders Association said they agree Eagle Mountain and other cities need to loosen their requirements, and will take the fight to other cities. Eagle Mountain is expected to vote on whether to change its city code in May.

See the full story by clicking here



Eagle Mountain Caucus Testimonial

Here was one Eagle Mountain resident's view of how his caucus went.

For the complete story click here

Wednesday, March 26, 2008

Road Construction Begins Tomorrow

The widening of Redwood Road from Bangerter to S.R. 73 begins tomorrow. The construction project will add a lane in both directions.

Eagle Mountain Police Department?

The Utah County Commission and Sheriffs office can't seem to agree on how much to charge cities such as Eagle Mountain to provide law enforcement.

Is it time for Eagle Mountain to get it's own police department?

Eagle Mountain has a bigger population than Saratoga Springs and Saratoga Springs made it happen.

Tuesday, March 25, 2008

Constitution Party Caucus

The Constitution Party of Utah County will be holding their caucuses today at 7 p.m. at the Watson home, 8257 Fort Hill Rd., Eagle Mountain

Monday, March 24, 2008

Utah County Political Caucuses

Tomorrow is the big day for County Political Caucuses.

Find out where you need to go.

Republican Party locations click here

Democratic Party locations click here

Saturday, March 22, 2008

Nolan Park Easter Egg Hunt

The annual Nolan Park easter egg hunt took place this morning. Looked like a great time for all of the kids.

Planners of the event are serious when they say be there at 10:30 am sharp. All the eggs were gobbled up in about a minute and a half.

Friday, March 21, 2008

Former EM Candidate in Court

Both Richard and Kathleen Culbertson were charged by the Utah Attorney General's Office March 5 with three counts of communications fraud and one count of pattern of unlawful activity for allegedly falsifying home loan papers by using fake names and inflated incomes.

For the complete story click here

Great Advice For New City Council Members

Eagle Mountain City Councilman David Lifferth had one piece of advice for his newer colleagues: "Don't anybody commit any crimes."

For the complete story click here